Chapter Four: That's How It Is...
With Special Guest Star: Peter Noone (Of Herman's Hermits) as Secretary #94
The road to love is rough sometimes
Don't let it get the best of you
I've been hurt by a love so many times
So I know what you're going through
You wish that you were never born
You better forget him now that he's gone
Don't you know baby
That's the way love is, baby
(That's the way love is)
That's the way love is, honey
(That's the way love is)
That's how it is
That's how it is
That's The Way Love Is ~ Marvin Gaye
ALMOST TWO WEEKS LATER: August 28th, 2001
The elevator dinged and Murphy swept through the office, a stake of books and a cassette in her left hand, while holding onto a cup of coffee with her right with her large purse/ briefcase dangling from the opposite shoulder. All the weight on her left side, and the quickness of her step, caused her body to shift slightly to one side, like the tower of Pisa. Although, not good for her posture, it did make for turning corners easier.
Murphy looked like a woman with many things on her plate, with no time for small talk, questions, or even a fast danish as she whisked into her office. One might say she was talking the last two weeks in stride, with little care and little discussion. Others might say she was just using such outer coverings in an attempt to hide her true attitudes. But still, Murphy always burst into the bullpen area like the tempest of aggravation she was. As soon as she caught sight of any humanoid figure she went directly into one of her triads.
At the moment, Jim stood at the left of the coffee nook sipping his hot coffee, and Joyce looked over her papers.
"Ohh, I've had it up to here with this town!" Murphy stopped once she reached the table and jetted out her left foot. "I tell you, I can't wait to get out of here!" Jim looked at her out of the corner of his eye and then focused back on his drink. "I spent twenty minutes trying to get a cab! Twenty minutes! Then I had to sit in traffic for an hour. And then once we finally got here, excuse me once the driver could actually find the building, I mean it's not that hard, how many large black buildings with the words CBS on it, are there? I tell you the taxi cab system in this city is serious flawed. And if we all know what's good for us were all just take the bus!" Murphy stormed off into her office.
"Is she gone?" Jim asked. "I think I zoned out the sound of her voice somewhere at hello." Jim drank his coffee and Frank walked up looking off at Murphy, as she slammed the door of her office.
Frank recoiled in a fake "ouch" reaction. "What's her beef this time?" Frank asked.
"Taxi cabs."
"I'd have to agree with her there. They always smell weird and I never can remember if the light means they're in service or not. And cabs in New York have those celebrity voices telling you to buckle up and not to forget your belongings. Like I need Regis Philbin and Joan Rivers reminding me to get a receipt from my driver. And then last night, I get into a cab and Mary Wilson told me to buckle up. Can you believe that, Jim, Mary Wilson?"
"Who's Mary Wilson?" Joyce's lifted her head up in the malaise that was her movement and aura.
Frank and Jim looked at Joyce.
Jim looked at Frank. "You don't think…" Jim motioned with his head toward Murphy's office. "...She heard that," he whispered. "Do you?"
"Well, hello all!" Kay bounced into the thick of it.
"Kay!" Frank and Jim spoke at the same time
"Well, hello," Jim spoke over Frank's words. "Welcome back." Kay nodded her head.
"It's good to be back," she spoke with glee. "I hope you haven't all gone to pot in my absence." She looked at Frank. "I see your still here."
"I'm here to see, Murphy." He put his hands up in defense.
Kay got serious and directed her eyes towards Murphy's closed door. "Is she in?"
"Yeah, I was just about to go in..." Frank answered.
Kay put her hand up. "Just give me a moment with her."
Murphy sat at her desk leafing through set of papers – her research. She stood up and walked towards her bookcase to the right of her desk. There was a knock at the door.
"Come in." Murphy reached for a book, as she spoke. Kay walked in the office and closed the door. Murphy turned around and noticed Kay. "Hey, Kay." Murphy looked at Kay from behind her glasses. "Back from the trenches so soon?" Murphy looked at the book and then put it back. "I thought perhaps you had developed some sort of un-healthy attachment to Wyoming." Murphy looked at the bind of another book and then opened it.
"How ya doing, Kid?" Kay said sincerely, her back against the door. Murphy didn't know how to take it. She looked up from her book and from under her glasses.
"I'm find, Kay. And you?" Murphy seemed satisfied with her book and set it on the desk.
"It's ok, Murphy. I know. You can tell me."
"Know what, Kay?" Murphy slid her figure over a page of the book looking for something.
"About you and Jerry," she said softly and took a step towards the desk.
"Oh that, Kay!" Murphy peeled off her glasses and stared at her. "That was weeks ago." Murphy put her glasses back on and found the section in the book she was looking for and made notes.
"Well, I've been away." She leaned in and placed her hands on Murphy's desk. "It's ok, Murphy. I'm here now. You can talk to me. I'm sure there's been no one you can talk about this with."
"Talk about what, Kay? That I broke up with my boyfriend... Give me a little credit here. I think I can handle it. I mean my god, Kay, it was two weeks ago. What is this high-school?"
"A week and a half." Murphy gave Kay a look.
"Details. Details." Murphy slammed closed the book.
"So you're fine with this?"
"Of course. I've broken up with people many times. Hell, I've broken up with Jerry several times. I'm fine with this. Really. If you haven't heard, I was the one who broke up with him, you know? "
"Yes, I heard that."
"So, you don't have to worry about me." She smiled cocky and shook her head slightly. Now get out of my office. I have work to do. What I don't need right now is someone bothering me. Especially, about Jerry." She walked the book back to its spot, as she seem to digress herself into a softer cadence and a more grating speak pattern. "God knows, I get that enough from Rachel." She leaned in, securing the book in its place on the shelf. "I swear if she asks me about him one more time..."
"So, you're telling me that after everything you and Jerry have been through - after everything you confided to me about, after everything..."
"Kay, it was two weeks ago!"
"A week and a half!"
"UGG!"
"And I wasn't here then." There was a pause. "But I'm here now."
"That's great, Kay. Why don't you get me a bagel!"
"Fine, Fine. If you want to be that way." Kay put up her hands and started to walk off.
"I'm not being any way!" she yelled after her and circled in front of the desk. "I broke up with him!" Kay just nodded her head. "He's the one who's been calling me all the time. Not me. He's the one who wants to see me. I don't want to see him. Although he has stopped in the last few days." Murphy paused. "But that's probably because he realized what I have. That's its over between us. Over. I walked out on him!"
"Yes, you said that."
"Well, I'm glad you finally heard me."
Kay opened the door and then turned to look at Murphy. "I'll be here when you need me."
"Weren't you leaving, Kay?"
"Do you have a place to stay?"
"It's been two... a week and a half, Kay." Kay looked at her. "Yes, Kay. I'm staying at Frank's."
"Good." Kay nodded her head.
"I couldn't stay at the house..."
"Of course..."
"Jerry's there. It's his apartment. I can't kick him out of his own apartment…" She paused but Kay said nothing. "It's his apartment. It was never mine. I can't possible ask him to leave it when he's living in it..."
"Jerry's not in the apartment." Rachel walked in stoned faced with her clipboard in her hand. "Oh. Hi Kay. Welcome back."
"What do you mean he's not in his apartment?" Murphy asked defensively.
"He's not in his apartment." Rachel turned to Kay. "Kay, I was hoping I could talk to you about..."
"Then who's in his apartment?"
"No one." Rachel turned to Murphy.
"I don't understand. No one? Then where's he living? Where'd he go?"
"All a sudden you're so interested." Rachel eyes looked down at Murphy.
"I'm interested in the apartment not your father..."
"Ohh…" She lifted up her eyes with a disapproving look. "I see." Murphy gave her a look back. "Well, he moved out into a hotel about two days after your left. You're welcome to it." Rachel dug into her pocket and emerged with a key.
"What's that?" Murphy seemed repelled by the object.
"It's the Key to Jerry's apartment." She handed it towards Murphy who let it hang in the air, dangling from Rachel's fingers.
"Well, what are your doing with it?" Murphy stood.
"Well, it's just empty. Jerry thought I might want to use it."
"Then use it."
"It's too big. I don't want it."
"Well I don't want it."
"Oh, come on, Murphy," Rachel bellowed. "You come in here every day complaining about living with Frank. The apartments too big for three people, Frank doesn't clean up after himself..."
"I'll take it." Kay reached for the Key, but Murphy took it.
"No, I'll take it." Murphy held the key in her hand. "Most of my stuff is still there anyway."
"Oh, Murphy." Rachel handed Murphy some pink papers. "I found all your messages on my desk for some reason. Could you please get yourself a secretary and stop using mine. How hard is it to get a secretary, Murphy?" Rachel went for the door.
"Little you know." Kay gave Murphy a look who returned it like a serve.
"What, no comment?" Murphy said.
"Comment? What?" Rachel turned to Murphy. "Oh, I do have some papers I think you should look over." She handed Murphy a folder.
"Not about your father. Almost every day this week you've been making some sort of comment or asking some sort of question about you and your father. I was wondering where it was. Or have you finally given up and realized the truth?"
"Yes, Murphy. I have learned the error of my ways," she said in a sarcastic tone. "Plus, I have decided... You're right. I need to separate the fact that when I'm home I'm Jerry's daughter. And when I'm here I'm just...your boss." Rachel smirked and Murphy was not amused. "Now give this a read and tell me what you think?"
"What is it?"
"It's on the Gregory/Baldwin interview."
"I'll look at it." She seemed to have no opinion on the subject, as she took the folder. Rachel tipped her head, glared her eyes, and walked out.
Murphy stuck her tongue out at Rachel's back. Murphy took the folder and threw it on her desk. "I'm glad that's done with." Murphy looked down at the pink papers in her hand and hit them against her hand. "You see here's another example of how over this relationship only one of us is." She shook the papers at Kay. "Look at these messages. How many of them do you want to bet are from Jerry? Every day for the last week. He has called the office, Frank's house, all over town for me. And have I answered one of them? No!" Murphy read each paper and then flipped to the next one. "It's really pathetic you know." As Murphy reached the last paper her face and demeanor changed. She made her way through them again. .
"Looking for someone?" Kay asked.
"No. Of course not. I was looking for..." She pulled a message out and looked at it. "I thought so." She waved it. "My cleaners lost another of my suits. You see, here's another problem with this damn city." Murphy picked up the phone and looked at the number. "At least in Washington they just stain your clothes or ruin a blouse. I mean how hard is it to find a red suit? What is it Jimmy Hoffa?" She sat down and dialed the number.
"So, he didn't call?" Kay folded her arms and Murphy lifted the phone away from her mouth, but still kept it on her ear.
"Yes, as a matter of fact he didn't. And I'm glad. Kay. This means that Jerry has moved on from this, which means so can I."
"I thought you said you were over all this."
"You know what I mean, Kay." Murphy moved the phone back to her mouth. "NO, I will not hold!" She sighed and moved the phone back away from her mouth. "Weren't you leaving Kay?"
Kay nodded her head to the side. "Well, you know where I'll be when you need me."
Murphy rolled her eyes and Kay walked out as Frank walked.
"Hey Frank."
"Hey, Murphy."
"What's going on?" Murphy sat down in her chair. "I didn't see you this morning."
"Good." He clasped his hands together. "I mean... I was hoping we could talk...unless you're on the phone"
"What?" She looked at the phone. "Oh. No." And she hung up the phone. "What's up?"
"Well..." Frank turned and shut the door.
"Wow, door shutting. This must be good." Murphy sat up. "Wait, let me get comfortable." Murphy walked over to the couch and sat down. She leaned back and crossed her legs. "Ok, Frank, I'm good."
"So what did Kay want?" Frank asked.
"Oh, she was just bothering me about Jerry."
"God, won't people stop bothering you about that. It was weeks ago."
"It wasn't that long..."
"I know, but I mean the papers I expected, but your own friends…"
"What papers? Frank - what are your talking about?" There was knock at the door.
"Go away!" Murphy snarled without a beat or movement of her body.
"Oh, it's nothing..." Frank stammered.
"Frank." There was another knock.
"Go away!" Murphy snarled and stood up. "Frank..." There was another knock. "Who is it?"
"Mail," a voice came from behind the door. Murphy and Frank turned their heads towards the door.
"Come in!" Murphy screamed, as if she really didn't want the task to be completed.
The mail boy walked in. "I have a package for you Ms. Brown."
"Ohh, I was expecting this." Murphy took a clipboard from the boy. "Now what papers are you talking about?"
"So you haven't heard about the story?"
"What story, Frank?"
"The one in The Tattler?"
"The Tattler?" She handed the clipboard back to the boy. "Great!"
"I thought you saw it."
"How would I ever see a story that was in The Tattler?"
"You can read mine, Ms. Brown?" The boy handed Murphy a copy of The Tattler. "I have to say, you look much better in person then in this picture? Did you get a face lift?"
Murphy gave the man eyes and Frank had the hold Murphy back from attacking.
"Why don't I take that thank you?" Frank took The Tattler and the scared boy took his cart, leaving the package on a small desk by the door on his way out. Murphy got herself together and took the paper. "Oh, my god! They used that picture they took of me when I checked into Betty Ford. My hairs two colors - my makeups smeared. And I was awake for so many hours you could send a family of five to Europe with the bags under my eyes."
Frank looked at the picture. "And what's that in your teeth."
Murphy gave him a look and snatched the paper away from his view. "Jerry Gold sends Murphy Brown packing?" Murphy read the headline. "I left him!"
"I know, Murph, I know!" Frank was agog for Murphy.
Murphy kept on reading, "The aerobic power couple Jerry Gold and Murphy Brown were once a happy couple until two weeks ago. Gold kicked Brown out of their New York penthouse after the trash talk show, riding high on his Emmy nominations, discovered he was not the father of her child." Murphy stopped reading. "What!" She then returned back the article, "Although the Emmy winning reporter has never officially stated who the father of her young son Avery is, she has been quoted to have said her son's father was her ex-husband, renowned activist and author Jake Lowenstein. Those close to Brown know the real truth - that she had secretly told Gold that he was in-fact the boy's father." Murphy looked up from the paper. "That's why Walters gave me a call. Wanted to borrow my hibachi, my ass!"
"Read the rest!"
"What?" Murphy quickly read on silently and then read from the paper aloud, "The once strong Brown was said to have begged Gold to take her back, only to have him slam the door in her face. Those close to the once resilient Brown state they aren't sure she'll bounce back from this one!" Murphy shook the paper in her hand. "I left him!"
"I know!" Frank agreed.
"He's the one who can't get over me."
"Yes!"
"Take this away from me, Frank." She handed it towards Frank and then stopped. "Better yet, I'll get rid of it myself."
"You're not going to set it on fire again."
"No, Frank." Murphy walked over to the desk next to the door and slid the magazine into a fax like machine. "I have a better idea. Something more suited." She hit the machine and the so-called periodical was shredded. "Ohh... I love that sound. Sometimes, I see the fun Nixon must have had." She laughed. "So, Frank where were we?"
"I was asking you about your day?"
"My day? Frank… it's just started. And I thought we were talking about you?"
"I just wanted to talk to you. See how you've been."
"Frank, we live in the same apartment now. I always see you."
"Not in the last couple of days. I wanted to catch up." Frank sat down on the couch and Murphy leaned up against the front of her desk.
"Oh." Murphy waited for Frank to speak, but he didn't. "So, what's going on with you?"
"Nothing, much. Really. You?" Frank shook his head up and down.
"Me. No, nothing. Just finishing my story. Packing. Getting ready to go back to Washington on Saturday. You?"
"Nothing... really."
Murphy smiled and waited. "While nice talking to you as usual, Frank." She circled behind her desk. "Don't let the door hit you on the way out." Murphy picked up her glasses and sat down in her chair.
"Well actually..." Frank stood up. "I just thought of something?"
"Oh." Murphy took off her glasses and looked up at Frank. "What's that, Frank?"
"I ran into someone. You'll never guess who?"
"Who's that, Frank?"
"Yeah, you'll never guess who I ran into..."
"Who, Frank?"
"Amy."
"Amy who, Frank?"
"Amy Marsinsky."
"Whoa, wait a minute, Frank. Amy Marsinsky? The one who left you to go to that commune?"
"Yeah, that one…"
"The one you said broke you heart..."
"Yes..."
"The one you use to cry into your beer about for the first five months I knew you, Frank... The same Amy Marsinksy who stomped on your heart and left it for dead... Who..."
"Yes, Murphy, and thank you for reminding me!"
"Sorry." Murphy was taken aback. "So, how did it go? Are you ok? I mean you were broken up about her pretty hard..."
"Yeah, I know." Frank looked around and brought his hands up in his head with a look of surprise with himself. "I mean it has been almost twenty-five years, but still at first I wasn't sure if I could do it. I mean I was in the park with my nieces and nephews and there she was. Out of nowhere. And I was all right. I mean we talked. We shared a few laughs. It was fun."
"Frank, that's great. I'm so proud of you. You were able to put that all behind you and now you're a better person for it. I'm sure. How about we have dinner again tonight?"
"I can't I'm having dinner with Amy."
"You're seeing her again!"
"Yeah. I'm talking her to this Italian restaurant in the village we use to go too…"
"Frank, I don't think this is wise..."
"Why not?"
"Well, you had pretty strong feelings for this woman. I mean you use to tell me she was. The one. And sure it's fine to make peace with her and caught up. But to see her again. I don't know Frank... I mean… You're married, Frank…"
"Come on, Murph, it's only one dinner. Two old friends getting together..."
"I know, Frank, I just." Murphy took a breath looking for the thought." I know what this woman did to you, Frank. I don't want... You to do something you'll regret." There was a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" Murphy screamed.
"Delivery for Murphy Brown," the voice came from behind the door.
"Were not done with this conversation." Murphy went for the door.
Frank moved his body, as if it was his body's equivalent of rolling his eyes at Murphy.
"Come in." Murphy was surprised, as a young man carried in a large glass vase of sterling silver roses, trimmed with white baby's breath and a lavender ribbon around the base.
"You can put them on the desk." Murphy signed the paper as the boy thanked her and left.
Frank was taken aback by the arrangement and how large it was. Murphy arrogantly walked over to the vase and snatched the card off the ribbon. She smiled sly at Frank who had a question mark look on his face. "I was wondering when this would start." She waved the card in Frank's face and then opened it.
"What would?"
"Jerry. He's been calling me for days and then they just stopped. The calls. I knew he had to have a new trick under his sleeve. Let's see what he has to say." She laughed and raised her glasses onto her nose. Suddenly, as her eyes hit the card, her cocky expression drained from her body. Frank looked at her. "Oh."
"It is from Jerry?"
Murphy said nothing at first. "Oh, my god." She thought for a moment. "That can't be the date. Can it?" She slid her glasses off her head. "Oh, my god."
"Murphy, what is it? Is it from Jerry?"
"No." She looked at Frank.
"Who's it from then?"
"They're from Jake?"
"Why is Jake sending you flowers?"
"Well, I don't know?" She walked away from Frank and in front of the desk.
"Why do I have a feeling you do?" He eyed her, seeing how guilty Murphy looked. "What did you do?"
"I didn't do anything, Frank! Jake and I have been spending a lot of time with each other lately."
"Ahh, ha." Frank looked at her waiting.
"With Avery, we've been spending time with Avery. With Jerry out of the picture and Sharon on a trip for the last week we've just had more time for each other. For Avery, I mean. I am sure the flowers are just a thank you for a lovely time. That would be the only reason."
"And that's why your face is the same color as the dollies on my Grandmothers couch. Why did you react that why to the card? What does it say?"
Murphy handed the card to Frank. He took it with glee and read it out loud.
"Dear Murphy," He looked at Murphy who gave him a signal to read on. "Thank you for the last week. It was memorable as always. Please accept theses flowers to commemorate our time together. I will see you tonight. Love, Jake." He looked at Murphy.
"Ok, I was wrong. Sorry." He handed the card back to Murphy. She didn't take it. "Read the date on the card."
"What?"
"The date, Frank."
Frank looked at the date as Murphy told him. "It's today's dates. So, what?"
"It's the twenty-eighth of August, Frank! That's the date thirty-three years ago that Jake and are were married."
"He sent you flowers on your anniversary?"
Murphy nodded her head and Frank threw the paper on the desk like it was a hot potato. "Oh, Murph, that's weird."
"I know."
"He has a fiancée."
"I know..." Murphy began to pace.
"I'm sure it's not what we're thinking…"
"Right. I'm sure it's just a coincidence
"Right. And if we are right. You'll just have to put him in his place right, Murph?" Murphy didn't answer. "Right, Murph?"
"Well, I may not want to do that Frank."
"Murph, no. Remember what that man put you through."
"Those were different times. Things were more...complicated."
"Complicated? Murph?" Frank put his hand to his head and turned around.
"Like I said, Jake and I have been spending a lot of time together. And I told you what happened in the office." Frank nodded his head. "I mean our chemistry's been palpable since he came back. It always has been."
"But, Murph. Think of the history between you two. Who says things are going to work out this time? I mean you're just coming off a relationship..."
"Will everyone stop bringing that up! I am over Jerry. Jerry and I are finished. And I am not going after Jake on the re-bound. And yes, I have thought about the history we share. And the child we share. And the three of us spending the last week together. I liked it. And I think it's something we've both been feeling since he got here."
"You said that already."
"Because, I just can't shake it. I mean maybe the problem with all the other times was our timing. Maybe this time the timing has worked out."
Suddenly the phone rang. Murphy picked it up. "Yes hello." Murphy paused as her whole body language changed. She was ridged and her voice was soft. "Jake, hi." She looked at Frank. "Yes, I got the flowers. They're beautiful. Yes, sterling silver roses are still my favorite. You remembered. Alone, before the ballgame, tonight? Yes, I can talk. I was going to knock off early and do some packing at Jerry's apartment. No, he's not there. Yes. Why don't you meet me there? Alright. Goodbye." And Murphy hung up.
"He wants to see me tonight. He said he has something important to tell me." Frank sighed in an unhappy matter. "I want this Frank. I do. He was the love of my life. The father of my child. This has to be meant to be."
"I thought you didn't believe in that stuff?"
"I don't want to discuss it anymore, Frank. I've made up my mind. There are just some people in your life you just can't get over. Jake is that for me. And if he wants to give us one more chance I want to also."
"Murphy… you just got out of a long relationship, I mean I never liked him, but even I know a decision like this, at this time, is not a wise choice."
"There are some people you never stop loving. Just like you and Amy."
"Oh, no, don't compare this situation to me and Amy. This is completely different!"
"No, it isn't. It's just the same. And I don't want to see you do something you'll regret, Frank."
"And I don't want you to do something you your regret later!"
"Oh, come on, Murph. Give me a little credit. I think I have some restraint."
"No, you don't, Frank. And I know you. I know what Amy did to you. She'll do it again."
"Well, considering we've seen each other on two occasions and we haven't played tonsil hockey I think were clear!"
"Hey, was that a crack? He kissed me you know..." Suddenly, the phone rang. "Hello, Murphy Brown," she said in a ragged huff. "Yes, Senator, hello." Murphy seemed surprised to hear from him, as if she had been trying for a long to reach him and had given up.
"You know what. Just do what you want and I'll do what I want." Frank threw his hands and arms at her, as if to say he was giving up.
Murphy moved the phone away from her mouth with a quick, "can you hold on for a moment," gesture, but Frank wasn't listening.
"Frank!" Her voice seemed to grimace in its sound, as she tried to whisper her anger. Frank, who had started for the door already, stopped for a moment when Murphy spoke again. "Just wait a moment!" She moved the phone around and turned her back to the door in an effort to find some paper to take down the message.
"I hope you and Jake are very happy," Frank yelled, as he was half way out the door. Frank turned his head towards the door, almost running into Peter as he exited. "Hi, Peter."
Frank grumbled off and Peter peaked into the office, as Murphy called after Frank, but couldn't get away from her phone call.
"Yes, Senator. I'm still here. Yes, I'll see you then. Thank you. Thank you." She spoke in a hurry and hung up the phone, walking right past Peter, in her hurry after Frank. She walked outside her office and looked side to side.
"Looking for someone?" Peter asked, standing there, as if just a shadow in his stillness.
Murphy turned her head with surprise. "Oh. Peter. Hi? I didn't see you there? Have you seen, Frank?"
"Yeah, but I think he's long gone by now. He looked pretty angry. You two have a fight or something?"
"Or something," Murphy huffed and walked back into her office.
"You might be able to catch him if you try?" Peter walked into her office pointing towards the door with his thumb.
"Naw, I'm sure when Frank cools off he'll be back." Murphy took the note off her desk and circled towards the chair, placing her glasses on as she did.
"Murphy?" Peter looked towards the door and then back towards Murphy. "Did I just hear Frank say your back with Jake?" He laughed the way he did; almost hoping what he heard was untrue.
Murphy looked up from her organizer which she had taken out. "I'm sorry, Peter, what did you say?"
Peter walked towards the door and closed it, as Murphy rose from her hunched position.
"I heard Frank say something about you and Jake?"
"Oh?"
"I thought he was engaged. What's going on?"
"Well, he is." Murphy was trying not to reveal more then she needed. She looked guarded, which to the common eye also looked semi-serious, but Peter knew different. Murphy took off her glasses and tossed her hair, holding the glasses in her hands. Without words she shrugged it off and looked back down at her work.
Peter walked closer to Murphy's desk. "What's going on?"
"Peter, I'm sorry you heard that, but things with Jake and I aren't official yet and I just don't think I should discuss it."
"What things?"
"Things. You know things?"
"No, I don't know. THINGS?"
Murphy gave him a look "Well, you're going to find out soon enough, but Jake and I...well... he sent me theses flowers." Murphy smiled and placed her hand towards the flowers. "Those over there."
Peter did not find the flowers as impressive as Murphy did. "Oh, I see. Well, that's very nice Murphy. But that still doesn't answer my question?"
"And what question is that, Peter?"
"What is going on with you and Jake? Are you a couple? What?"
"Well, not officially."
"Not officially? What does that mean?"
"I'm not sure."
"You're not sure?"
"Jake and I are discussing it tonight." Murphy moved around her desk. "Now if you don't mind..." Murphy went for the door.
"Murphy, either you and Jake are together or you're not? It's not a hard question."
"I think it's none of your business, frankly."
"Well, I think it is."
"As what? My ex-lover?"
"No… as your friend."
"Go away, Petie!" She opened the door and as fast as she opened it Peter closed it with his outstretched arm.
"No. I will not go away. Not until you hear me out." His eyes were clear and had a pristine calm to them.
Murphy knew he meant business. "You have two minutes." She mugged at him and walked towards her desk.
"I just think you should know something about Jake." He ran his fist into his palm.
"Oh, yes that's right. This horrible thing you know about, Jake. OHH," Murphy pretended to be scared. Peter looked offended. "I think it's really low for you to start making up things about Jake. I mean Jake is an honest man, Peter. I don't think..."
"Jake won't leave Sharon, Murphy."
"What?"
"He won't leave Sharon for you, Murphy."
"How do you... I mean... how could you..?"
"I just know. Any promises he's made towards you..."
"He's made no promises, Peter."
"I see. Well, he must have done something for you to think..."
"A woman knows these things, Peter. I don't have to explain anything do you. He's having trouble with Sharon, he sent me flowers, he wants to talk to me tonight. It just all makes sense and I don't need to explain it. Jake and I just know each other. We know each other that well... I don't have to explain..."
"Looks like you can't explain it..."
"You're two minutes are up..."
"Murphy, I just don't think you can trust him that's all. You've always been clouded by him and..."
"And where do you get this from? How long did you know him - a couple of months in the Congo. Well, I've known him for over twenty years, thank you very much..."
"Murphy..."
"We have a child together..."
"Oh, come on, Murphy. I could have a child with this..." Peter picked up a stapler. "Stapler, but it wouldn't mean I would know it any better."
"A little lonely are we, Peter?"
He gave Murphy a disproving look. "I'm making a point here! I mean, think about it? How long have you really known him? How much time have you really spent with Jake Lowenstein."
"Well, more than you have. You know this is my life Peter. I can do whatever I want. I think you're just jealous."
"Jealous of what? I'm doing this for your benefit. You and Avery's."
"Oh, please! All you care about is your precious ego..."
"Oh, come on..."
"So, you say you have this secret about Jake like this is some TV movie or trashy romance novel. Give me break! I don't think you have anything! Or else you would have told me..."
"Sharon's father owns Rayco, Murphy."
"What?"
"I said..."
"I heard what you said I just don't believe it. Her father runs Douglas Enterprises..."
"Which is a subsidiary of Rayco. All the money that Jake is getting for his cause is Rayco money."
"That can't be. Jake wouldn't take money from Rayco. Jake's been fighting Rayco for years..."
"I know, Murphy."
"It's not true. And even if it is he doesn't know about it."
"He knows."
"How do you know?"
"He told me."
"I don't believe you."
"He told me it wasn't a conscious decision at first..."
"I think you should go..."
"I'm not judging him, Murphy, I just think that when it comes to his intentions towards you..."
"Get out!"
"I didn't want to tell you because he was just... you said he just wanted to see Avery and I didn't want..."
"Get out, Peter!"
"Just ask him, Murphy?"
"I would never insult Jake with such a question...plus I've seen him with Sharon..."
"I'm not saying he doesn't love Sharon, Murphy, or you for that matter. I'm just saying that if he had the choice... I don't... want you to get hurt."
"Good-bye, Peter." Peter held his tongue and obliged.
AT THE APARTMENT
Later that night, Murphy was dressed in an Obsession drenched and vanilla color blouse. Her make-up was perfect, but that still didn't stop her from making fewer trips to the mirror above the fireplace. Murphy hated to be back in Jerry's apartment, but she need to get her packing done and she certainly didn't want to meet Jake in Frank's apartment. She wanted to be alone with Jake without interruptions. Avery would arrive within the hour and then the new family would go off to Avery's first real live baseball game. Murphy really didn't have a lot to pack because she didn't bring a lot with her from DC. She muttered to herself that perhaps she didn't bring a heavy load because she already knew the outcome before she arrived - she would not be staying long.
Murphy placed her last book in the cardboard box, which was set atop two other boxes, when the doorbell rang. Murphy jumped like a giddy child and quickly turned around to check herself in the mirror. She then took large strides, in her flats and Capri pants, to the door. She paused for a moment, took a breath, and then opened the door. She found Jake face at the other end of the door in his usual brown leather jacket and jeans - his hands on his hips and smiling.
"Hello, Murphy."
"Jake." She smiled and paused. "Come on in." Jake walked in and Murphy closed the door behind him.
"Is Avery here?" He looked around.
"No, but he'll be here soon. I wanted to give us some time alone." They walked into the living room.
"Good, good." He shook his head. "Murphy we need to talk."
"I know." She smiled. Jake put his hand out for her to sit on the couch. She did so and Jake sat down next to her checking out the boxes for a moment with his eyes. Murphy smiled and held her hands on her lap
"Murphy."
"Yes, Jake."
Jake took her hands. "I got a call from Sharon this morning."
"Oh?" Murphy didn't want to let on she knew what was coming, but because she tried not to show what in fact she was trying not to show, she almost gave herself away. Still, Jake, not knowing what she knew, didn't get that Murphy knew... (Well, you get the picture)
"I…" Jake looked perplexed, as he gazed in her eyes. "I don't know how to say this... It's about the flowers...you see…"
"Jake, it's alright. I know. I got it. I understand."
"You do?"
"I knew this whole week we spent together. I think we've both known it since we first saw each other again. We just can't get away from it."
"Wait, Murphy?" He looked at her funny. "Are you saying? I mean are you saying what I think you're saying? That…" He paused. "That you really do... want a relationship." Jake stood up from the couch and walked towards the fireplace.
"Yes, Jake. Isn't that why you're here? Isn't that why you sent the flowers?"
"Yes, that's why I sent the flowers, but that's not..." He sat back down on the couch. "I don't understand, Murphy. When did this sudden change… I mean after you broke up with Jerry - sure I thought I may have still had a chance with you, but..."
"I don't know, Jake. Ever since you got back into town I've been trying to convince myself I didn't love you anymore. I spent so much energy into it - I didn't look at the fact that I would always love you, Jake. I guess - what I'm saying is- that these last weeks together I've realized that you and I are meant to be together. Just like you said. I'm sorry it took me so long to say it, Jake. I know I deserve this. But I think finally our timing has come together.
"Murphy." Jake was very serious. "When I sent you those flowers I did hold some sort of subconscious hope that we might... But you didn't call me and well..." He paused. "Things have changed, Murphy."
"Changed in what way, Jake?"
"Sharon called me this morning."
Murphy looked surprised but held back her hurtfulness.
"We talked and well. I'm flying to Brazil tonight and we're going to be married in the morning."
"I see," Murphy said softly.
"Murphy. I'm so sorry. I didn't. I mean, if I had known."
"It's alright, Jake. Really. You made no promises to me." She tried to laugh it off. "I mean it was me who - it was just stupid of me to think after..."
"Murphy…" He took a step towards her.
"No, no." She pushed him back. "It's alright. Really. But I think you'll understand if I don't come with you and Avery to the baseball game."
"Actually, Murphy about the game..."
"You can't take him..."
"No, I'm talking the next flight out. In fact, I really need to get going."
"You're not going to say good-bye to Avery?"
"I really have to..."
"He'll be back in fifteen minutes, even less. I'll call him." She reached for the phone. "He can be right here."
"Murphy, no. I can't. Sharon wants me to take the next plane out."
"And you do everything she tells you to..."
"Now, Murphy, don't take my leaving out on Sharon..."
"This is your son, Jake. You can't let a woman come between you and your son."
"Hey, when you told me you were pregnant I never said I would be part of his life. I never said that. And you agreed with me."
"I did, Jake. I understood that. But when you came back into our - into Avery's life. You made a commitment to him. I thought you understood that."
"Listen, Murphy. I love you and I love Avery. But I never said I would stay here forever."
"I take it that means you're not coming back then?"
"Well, I don't know…"
"What happened to you buying a house in New York? What happened to you and Sharon coming back as much as you could? I don't understand, Jake..."
"And I meant all of them, but things change. Plans change. Sharon got this job and..."
"I see."
"I really have to catch this flight You understand don't you? Murphy? Murphy please answer me?"
"I understand," she spoke in a whisper, holding back tears, as she had ten years before in her own living room. Only this time she wasn't in her own living room.
Jake put his hands in his pockets. He stepped for the door. "I should go."
Murphy nodded. "Jake, I have a question for you? Well, not really a question, but... Well. I was doing some research and I discovered something about Sharon's father's company I think you should know."
"What's that, Murphy?"
"I don't know how to say this. Douglas Enterprises ruins Rayco, Jake." Jake looked down and took a breath. "Do you need to sit down?"
"Murphy, I know..."
"I mean I know it's a ... what?"
"I know."
"You know!"
"Murphy..."
"You know and you're talking her money..."
"Murphy, it's going to a good cause. Why should I matter where it comes from?"
"This isn't you, Jake? You've been battling Rayco for years and know you just take their money..."
"Times have changed, Murphy. I'm not saying that's why I'm taking it. Believe me, I fought it at first. But revolutions and boycotts, that takes money, and more money every year. Why should it matter where the money is coming from as long as it helps people? What better justice. There are so many good things I can do with money, Murphy. Good things." Murphy said nothing. "You know it makes sense Murphy. You know it does." He took Murphy by the arms. "I have to go." Murphy said nothing. He walked towards to door and then stopped. "Murphy, I know what you're thinking. But I love Sharon. I do." He paused. "I'll call you." And he opened the door and he was gone.
All Murphy could think about was how the state she was now left in was her own fault.
In the next two days Murphy put her son on a plane, as planned weeks before hand, to spend the reminder of the summer with her father and then she was truly alone. She found herself waking up earlier then she had even done in her life. Sometimes even walking to work alone with, her own thoughts. She got a coffee and just spent the extra time in her office, as outside New York became bustling with excitement. She would sit by the window, or on the couch, or perhaps sit at her desk. With the light of the day only hitting her; in darkness she sat - no artificial light. The only moisture seemed to come from the steam from her coffee cup.
AUGUST 3OTH: Two days later, one day before show day, Murphy's last night in New York
Jim Dial stood at the coffee nook, like usual, dunking his tea bag with one eye on the bag and another on the door to Murphy's office. It was morning and things seemed to be like usual.
"Has she been out yet?" Kay walked up behind Jim and spoke as she, like Jim, gave an eye towards Murphy's door.
"Oh, Kay?" Jim was surprised by Kay's presence and even jumped a little out of his skin. "I didn't see you there." He leaned in, as if in secret. "No. She hasn't emerged yet."
"Ernie at the security desk said she came in at six a.m. today."
"Good Lord!" Jim looked at Kay in shock and disbelief. "This is a woman who once said walking up before eleven a.m. was for suckers."
"Is she out yet?" Frank poked his head into the group.
"NO." Kay and Jim spoke at once and parted away from the nook towards the table. Jim took a seat and Kay leaned up against the side of the nook while glaring towards the door to Murphy's office.
"Frank, you live with her…" Jim questioned Frank with a flustered tone. "What is going on with her?"
"Beats me. I haven't seen her in two days. I came by yesterday, but she said she was too busy to talk to me."
"I'll tell you what it is? I think when Jake left her she realized what a fool she was to let Jerry go." Kay sipped her coffee. Frank and Jim scoffed.
"Oh, come on Kay." Frank was wouldn't hear it. "Murphy and Jerry are ancient history. You really think she'd be stupid enough to go down that road again. She's just a little thrown by Jake leaving, but she'll be fine."
"Frank, is right, Kay." Jim nodded his head. "We're probably just worried about nothing. I mean this is Murphy Brown we're talking about. She's bounced back from more things than Bill Clinton. I think she can bounce back from Jerry Gold."
"Jim's right, we're probably just worrying over nothing. She's probably just working hard on a story. That's all."
"Yes, I'm sure that's it." Jim muttered, as Frank concurred over him.
"Men," Kay grunted. "Well, I'm going to go talk to her." Kay went for the door. Frank and Jim made a fuss.
Jim stood. "Kay… I don't know if that's such a good idea." Jim talked with his hands, as he often did when he was nervous.
Frank agreed. "Yeah, Kay. I just knocked on the door yesterday and she threw her phone at me."
"How, can that be, Frank, she threw her phone at Larry, the office boy just last week? It was in five pieces."
"This was her cell phone." Frank frowned.
"Maybe, if we just wait. She'll come out when she's ready." Jim pleaded with a forced smile.
"Who are we waiting for!" Miles approached the group with a giddy smile.
"Murphy, she hasn't come out of her office in two days." Kay told Miles.
"Sure, she has - I saw her yesterday." Miles smiled.
"You did?" Frank asked.
"When?" Jim questioned over Frank.
"Yesterday. She asked to borrow my phone." Miles took a donut from the box. "And then she threw it at me." Miles took a bite of the donut and then started to chock. "Ugg. Coconut." He discreetly wrapped the donut in a paper napkin.
"So, why are all waiting for, Murphy?" Miles asked, as he looked for another napkin to wipe his hands.
"We're just worried about here. She's been locked up in her office for two days now."
"We're not worried about, Murph. She can take care of herself," Frank scoffed. "She's probably just working on a story. That's all."
"And why are you all so anxious to talk to her?" Miles asked.
"Because, she's my best friend! That's what best friends do. They talk. They catch up," Frank interjected.
"Really, Frank? You've been staring at that door so long you'd think it had breasts," Jim scoffed.
"Oh, come on, Jim, I wouldn't talk?" Kay accosted Jim with her all-knowing tone. "You were just as curious what was behind that door as we all are." Jim just grumbled and folded his arms in a pout. "All I know is if Murphy doesn't come out of that office in the next ten minutes, I'm going in." Just then the elevator could be heard dinging and a loud sound was heard behind them – like white noise.
"Ok, guys. I'm sure Murphy will come out of her office when she's ready," Kay interceded.
"Do you hear that?" Frank questioned and the group turned their head.
"It sounds like, Murphy?" Kay said puzzled, looking around.
"Yes, but it's not coming from her office?" Jim responded. "It sounds like..."
Jim, Frank, and Kay all looked towards the entrance as Murphy, escorted by two men in suits and sunglasses, approached the group.
"Hey, hey, get your hands off me. You don't have to... I can't get there myself, thank you, very much! Jeez!" Murphy rolled her eyes, as she pulled her arm off the grip of the men.
Miles looked at the men and recognized them immediately. The dark, glasses, the dark suits, the earpieces. They were secret service.
"Ekk!" Miles ducked and tried to hide behind Frank. "Secret Service. Hide me. Hide me!"
"You know it's not like I did it on purpose. It was an honest mistake." Murphy tried to save herself.
"Hello." The first man addressed the group. "I'm looking for Kay Carter-Shepley."
"Oh!" Miles, elated, stopped hiding behind Frank. "That's right! It's not me anymore!" He began to laugh and Murphy rolled her eyes. "I don't have to deal with the wrath of Murphy Brown anymore. Ha! HA! I don't have to double check my taxes three hundred times, or watch my back when I go to The White House..."
"Miles, will you shut up!" Murphy's head shook, as Miles grabbed his heart and took a breath. Frank put his hand on his pal to make sure Miles was alright.
"What did she do this time?" Kay asked
"Nothing, Kay, I did nothing." Murphy leaned toward Kay "You can let go now!" She looked at one of the men still holding him and sized him up. "You know, I usual don't go this far on a first date, but perhaps if your good, we can go to the drive-in tonight." The man made no response. "I bet you're just a hit at parties."
"What did she do, Special Agent?" Kay asked again.
"What did she do, Special Agent?" Murphy mocked her. "I did nothing - nothing, Kay. I was minding my own business when Sam and Dave over here picked me up. Nothing!"
"If you call an attempt on the Presidents life nothing!" The first agent spoke again.
"It was not an attempt on his life!" she yelled at the men and then looked at group. "All I did was offer the man some of my trail mix. How was I to know the man was allergic to nuts?"
"I think the Presidents allergy to legumes is worldly known, Ms. Brown." The first officer answered without looking at Murphy.
"Is the President alright?" Jim questioned.
"He'll be fine in about 24-72 hours when the swelling goes down." The second agent answered.
"Ah, Marcel Marceau speaks," Murphy scoffed and rolled her eyes.
"We were told to bring, Ms. Brown, into your curiosity with the following message from…" The first agent let go of Murphy and took a paper out of his pocket and read it aloud: "Keep this women away from my son or else I'll send Dan Qualye after you too. I can do it, you know, my son's the president. Signed, George Bush Sr." The agent folded the paper in to three parts and placed it firmly in his breast pocket. "You have a nice day." His tipped his head and then the two agents were off.
"You have a nice day, ya all," Murphy said sarcastically with a smile and waved them goodbye. She turned to the group and rubbed her arm. "Jeez, some people take everything personally. I'll be in my office if anybody needs me."
"Murphy, wait..." Kay called after her. Murphy stopped, as the group all followed behind her in anticipation.
"Oh, come on, Kay, you're not going to give me the third-degree are you. What do you want me to do, write "don't mess with Texas" 300 times on the blackboard?"
"No, no. It's fine, Murphy. We'll deal with it." Kay smiled and it made Murphy suspicious.
"Why are you being so nice to me, Kay?"
"Being nice, I don't think I'm being nicer than usual. Besides, this is your last day here. It's not like it's going to affect me." Murphy took a look at Jim, Frank, and Miles who were now looking over Kay's shoulder.
"What's going on here?" Murphy was still suspicious.
Kay looked at her as a confused Murphy looked them over.
"I'll be in my office." Murphy turned around and walked towards her office again, but after one step turned back around to find the trio had followed her.
"OK, what is going on? Why are you all following me?"
"Were just worried about you, Murphy," Kay answered
"Worried, that's all." Jim, Miles, and Frank all concurred.
"What? Those, twerps." Murphy pointed towards the door in reference to the special agents.
"No, Murphy. You know..." Kay leaned her head towards Murphy, as did Jim, Frank, and Miles.
"Oh, please, what am I some foreign exchange student? I can take care of myself." The group backed away except for Kay who wasn't buying it.
"Well, if you need someone to talk to. We're here," Kay was stern.
"I'm fine, Kay. Like I told you before, I don't have anything to talk about it. I'm fine. I'm over all this and I think it's time you all got over it too."
"Ah… Ms. Carter-Shepley..." Edie, the receptionist's squishy voice caught Kay's attention. "The new anchor is here."
"Oh," Kay looked at her watch. "Send Miller right in."
"Miller?" Jim, Frank, and Murphy fumed with protest.
"HA," Miles Laughed. "I'm so glad I'm not you." And he walked off, content with himself.
"Miles, hi." Miller entered the room, as Miles left. Miles just looked at him and burst into a laughing fit and walked off. Miller looked at Miles with his usual dumbfounded look. Miller ran his hand along the front of his suit and gave the group his big grin.
Murphy was not happy. "You're replacing me with Miller? Why not just replace me with a potato sack filled with straw!"
"Hello, Frank." Miller spoke to Frank who quickly ran away with a stiff brush-off
"Miller," he said, as he exited down a hallway. Jim quickly did the same. Miller pretending that it didn't bother him.
"Miller..." Kay walked forward and extending her hand. "I'm Kay Carter-Shepley."
Murphy pulled Kay over to the side and whispered to her, "Kay, you've met Miller before."
"I know," she droned back, "But this way, if I pretend we haven't met it cuts the chit chat– plus, this is Miller we're talking about."
"Nice to meet you, Kay." Miller smiled large and shook his head.
Kay shrugged her shoulders, as if to say, "See, I told you he wouldn't remember."
Miller looked at Murphy who stared him down.
"And of course you know Murphy Brown." Kay directed Miller to Murphy.
"Miller." Murphy eyed him. "So what rock did you crawl out of?"
"Wow, so we'll be working together again. I guess the highers up think we work well together."
"Miller, we are not working together! You're the one taking over my spot on the show!"
"Oh." He ran his hand through his hair and threw his head back. "I knew that." He paused. "But Corky's on the show, right?" Miller looked around, with his boyish smile, and fixed his tie. "I hear she's divorced."
Murphy rolled her eyes. "Well, if you'll excuse me I have better things I can be doing with my time. I think there's a jury duty summons in my office that needs to be filled out." She began to walk away.
"I know what this is about," Miller yelled after Murphy.
Murphy turned to him. "The fact that you think the sky is blue so we know when to stop mowing," Murphy smirked.
"Well...so, I mean. You don't think I'm a very good reporter - do you, Murphy?"
"No, Miller. I don't think you're a very good reporter," she mocked him.
"Well, ok. That may have been true in the past. But I've changed. You haven't known me for the last four years."
"I'm sorry, Miller, has there been advances in brain transplants since then?" Murphy laughed.
"Murphy," Kay chimed in. "Miller was hired to do a job by the network and I think you should at least let him do it?" Something about what Kay said gave Murphy a funny feeling, like she heard that phrase before. Or that she has said the same phrase it to someone else before.
"What did you say, Kay?"
"Yeah, she's right!" Miller defended himself.
Murphy shook off her strange feeling and went back for the kill, but before she could Miller spoke up.
"I happened to have some great ideas for this show," Miller smiled.
"Yes, Miller, was just telling Rachel yesterday about a piece he wanted to do on the homeless." Kay was trying to play nice.
"Oh, really?" Murphy seemed impressed.
"Yes, I'm going to call it "Talking to the homeless...who talk to themselves." Murphy rolled her eyes and Kay lowered her head in embarrassment. "I just have the name, but I think it could really be something."
"Yeah, it's something, alright," Murphy smiled sarcastically.
"Come on, Miller." Kay said without any enthusiasm. "Let me show you where your office is." Kay paused and sent Miller along. "Why don't you meet me in the lobby?" Miller walked off and Kay walked up to Murphy, as she picked up the mail from her desk. "You ok, Kid," she said in a low voice.
"Jeez, Kay how many times do I have to tell you I'm fine?"
"Look me in the face and say that." Kay looked at Murphy while she lifted her head and rolled her eyes. Then she looked Kay in the face.
"I. AM. FINE. KAY!" Murphy didn't flinch and Kay decided to let it be. Kay lifted her hands up and nodded her head as if to say, "Ok, I believe you." But, Kay, really didn't. Once Kay was gone another voice was heard.
"MURPHY? Where's MURPHY BROWN!" Rachel's voice was heard in the bullpen and soon she was upon Murphy.
"Hello, Rachel," Murphy smirked. "Something I can help you with?" she said sarcastically.
"What is this?" She waved a black videocassette tape next to her head.
"Looks like the final cut of my story." Murphy smiled.
"Final, cut! You didn't even look at the information I gave you, did you!"
"Hey, I looked at it and I didn't see any use to add anything to my story!"
"Oh..."
"Excuse me," a man's small voice broke into the Rachel's anger with his British accent.
"WHAT!" The two women yelled, as they turned their head towards the small man.
"Are one of you Ms. Brown?" he said in a meek voice.
"Yeah. Who are you!"
"I'm your new secretary," spoke the man.
"Secretary?" Murphy spoke to the side. "They send me a secretary, now." She looked back at him. "I don't need a secretary anymore. Tomorrow is my last day." She directed her attention back to Rachel. "That's my final cut, Rachel. I'm done! It's over! I read over your notes and I didn't think find anything..."
"I can't believe you would say that..."
"Excuse me…" said the man's weak voice.
"I know what this is about!" Rachel continued. "You're just bitter over your break-up with Jerry..,"
"Oh, give me a break!" Murphy interrupted."
"So, you're taking it out on me!"
"Excuse me. Ms. Brown," he said again.
"What!" Murphy looked at him. "What? Are you still here! Go away. I don't need a secretary."
"But I really need this job."
"I don't care! I won't be here! I'll be gone. UGG!" She looked at Rachel. "Are we done here yet? I have packing to do!"
"No, were not!"
"Where were we again?"
"I was telling you that your taking all this anger you have at my father out on me!"
"I AM not!"
"Oh, Ms. Brown," he said again.
"What!" The two women looked at him again.
"If I may say Ms. Brown...you have a lovely daughter."
"She's not my daughter!" Murphy screamed.
"She's not my mother!" Rachel screamed at the same time.
"Go, away Rachel! Go away!" Murphy stomped off into her office.
"I will not go away!" She followed after Murphy into her office and slammed the door. The door closed with a loud crack and Murphy gave Rachel a bad look from behind her desk.
"Did you have to do that!"
"Yes, yes I did!" Rachel looked around the room and noticed the boxes and how the room looked half in order and half not. Murphy had obviously been packing her office up for at least a day. "So, you're really leaving, huh?"
"Right after the broadcast! Now back to this subject of your father. I have never and will never let my opinions of people or their family members affect me when it comes to a story. I looked over the files you gave me! And you know what? I didn't find anything. Now thanks for the research! And get out!"
"If you would just look at it, I know you'll see..."
"You know sometimes, Rachel, there's just not a story there. And here there is no story! That's it! Case closed!"
"Well, I see a story here!"
"Well, when you're the reporter then you make the calls!" There was a short silence.
Murphy's words seemed to hurt Rachel. Murphy either didn't notice or pretended not to see it. There was a knock at the door.
"Come in!" Murphy yelled. The door opened and in walked Kay.
"Murphy, great, you're still here..." Kay's face appeared.
"Kay, I told you I'm fine! GO AWAY!"
"That's not why I'm here."
"I'll be in my office." Rachel went for the door
"No, Rachel, wait. This is for you also." Kay stopped Rachel. Rachel stayed put, but didn't look like she was enjoying it.
"I'm having a car pick up us all up in the morning!"
"A car? What for?" Murphy asked.
"I'm not having a repeat performance of what happened last week!" Kay was firm.
"Is it my fault there was a ten car pile-up on 5th Ave?"
"Maybe, if you'd left your apartment on time you could have avoided it."
"See, this type of thing never happened it DC? What kind of city builds the studio across town! This is why I'm leaving this place! "Really, are you, Murphy? I don't think you've said it enough."
"Plus, they call it "show night" for a reason, it happens at night. Not 3:15 in the afternoon! Now a LIVE show, that's a show!"
Kay turned to Rachel. "Rachel, I 'm having the car pick you up first and then pick up Murphy since she's uptown." She looked at Murphy. "You're still uptown, aren't you?"
"Yeah, I'm staying at the St. Regis." Murphy started placing odds and ends from her desk into a box.
"Ok, I'm having the car pick you up at noon," Kay spoke to Rachel.
"Murphy, be ready at twelve-thirty."
"TWELVE- THRITY! KAY!" Murphy scoffed. "Jeez!"
"No, I can't do that..." Rachel chimed in. "I'll be at the Plaza until one."
"Whatever it is, could it wait? I wanted us to get to the studio early," Kay asked politely
"No, it can't, I'm saying goodbye to my father."
"Good-bye?" Murphy's head sprung up. "Why do you need to say good-bye to Jerry? Where's he going?"
"He's going to California for the Emmys"
"Yeah, the Emmy's I know, but that's next week and why do you need to say good-bye?"
"He may not be coming back for a while."
"What? Jerry hates LA! And what about his show...?"
"He's going to do a few shows out there."
"How long?"
"I don't know, Murphy. He just needs to not be here, if you know what I mean."
"Fine," Kay interrupted. "The car will pick Murphy up first, then Rachel, and then me. Agreed."
"Agreed," Rachel and Murphy spoke together with much animosity.
"Are we done here?" Murphy moaned.
"Yes." Kay answered and Rachel walked out.
"Something went on here, didn't it?" Kay seemed to really know, but wanted the truth from Murphy.
"Nothing, Kay. Nothing happened here." Murphy began to clear off the contents of her desk and dump it into a box she had grabbed off the floor. "I had a fight with my producer. What else is new?"
"I see," Kay answered and walked out the door.
When she was gone Murphy watched Kay's exit and then returned to her desk. She walked over to the door and shut it. She leaned her back against the back of the door and sighed.
Suddenly, there was a knocking at the door so hard and loud it sent vibrations through the door. Murphy jumped.
"Murph!" Frank's voice as heard behind her. "Murph, are you in there?"
"Frank!" she groaned. "Go away."
"Murph, please let me in. I need to talk to you."
"Frank, I'm really not in the mood to talk right now."
"Please, Murph. I really need to talk to you."
"Ok, fine." Murphy rolled her eyes and opened the door.
"Jeez, Frank, two days in a row. Your attention span must be getting better." Frank walked in and Murphy closed the door.
"Murph, I really need your help?"
"Oh, no. Not today. I am really not in the mood for this - "Murph, I'm in need of help. Murphy, I'm in need of bone marrow. Something tells me this is going to end very badly." Murphy walked over to her desk and carried the full box of her stuff over to the couch.
"I didn't know who else to go to." Frank looked frazzled
"Ok, Frank, what is?" Murphy walked in front of her desk and faced Frank.
Frank looked at her and gave her his nervous grin. "I'm in love with, Amy." His voice raised an octave on the name Amy.
"Oh, no, Frank. No! Please tell me Amy is the name of your new golden retriever." Frank shook his head and turned around, landing his hand on his head, as he often did. "I don't believe you, Frank. Talk about a man wanting what he doesn't have!" Murphy reprimanded him walking closer. "I don't know how many times I had to sit and listen about how you didn't have a wife, and a family, and a dog. And now that you have it, you..." Murphy hit him on the arm. "You go and mess it up!"
"What do you think I planned this?" He recoiled in defense. "I love, Lesley, I mean she's pregnant with my children."
"I know, Frank!"
"But I guess, well Lesley and I have been having problems. And spending time with Amy again...I guess I just saw a way out..."
"And what, Frank? You miss took her for the Holland Tunnel!"
"It's just that the more I spent time with Amy -I guess I just realized how I never stopped loving her..."
"Oh, Jeez, Frank. I told you, didn't I - I told you not to go there..."
"I know, I know..."
"The crazy part is I should have listened to my own advice," she muttered to herself. "I can't believe you, Frank! You've been married for not even a year and you're already cheating on your wife!"
"A little louder, I don't think Lesley in Connecticut heard you! And I am not cheating in my wife. Nothing happened."
"Thank god," Murphy sighed.
"It's just that I find myself with these urges that I want something to happen. And it scares me." Frank sat himself down on the couch and buried his head in his hands. "How do I get myself into these situations?"
"I'm sorry I yelled." She looked down. "I'm not being a good friend." Frank looked up at her. "Frank, having these thoughts and acting on them are two completely different things."
"I know, Murph. But I'm afraid I will act on them. I look at her, and I laugh with her, and all the old feelings come back."
Murphy sat down on the couch next to Frank. "I know, Frank." She took his hand.
"I mean, what if she's the one. What if we were meant to be? Maybe I wasn't supposed to get married."
"Meant to be? Suppose to happen?" She let go of Frank's hand and stood up. "I am sick and tired of all this talk about what is "meant" to happen. Why not look at what is happening! You're married Frank. You're married now, Frank. End of story."
"But what if I'm not in love with Lesley? I mean really in love..."
"What like you feel with Amy?"
"Yes."
"Frank, you're being clouded by the past. You're letting your feelings for Amy back then influence you now. You're just scared, that's all."
"Some people you just don't stop loving, Murphy. I think you know that just as much as I do."
Murphy looked down. "Frank, I don't know what you want me to tell you?" She looked at Frank. "Don't have an affair with Amy; do have an affair with her? It seems to me you're just going to do what you want and you need me to validate it for you. And I won't do that. I've said my peace, Frank."
"Oh, god!" Frank sent his tension and confession into his hands, sending his hands out and then over his head. He turned to Murphy. "I just can't see her again."
"Good choice, Frank. It's the best for everyone. Really, you'll see that. You don't want to make a mistake you'll regret later."
"No, you're right, you're right." Frank shook her head and Murphy put her arm around him. "How are you doing?"
"I'm doing good. Thanks for asking."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine." She took her arm away. "Now, why don't we go out to dinner tonight. Just the two of us."
"No, No. I can't." Frank shook his head and went for the door. "I have plans with Amy."
"Frank!"
"I have to say good-bye, Murph."
"I don't know if that's such a good idea, Frank."
"After all these years I have to tell her to her face. I just have to."
Murphy half smiled. "Ok, but be careful. I really think it's not the best idea. I mean a basket of jams can be just as personal."
"No, Murph. I'll be fine. I have to do this. Now that I've talked it out, I know what I have to do." Frank smiled. "Thanks." He waved his hand and went for the door.
"You know where to reach me if you need me," she said softly.
"And you know the same." He smiled at her.
"I'm fine, Frank. I just can't wait to get out of this sinking town that's all. That's all."
Frank smiled bitter sweetly and walked out of Murphy's office.
Outside Murphy's office Miles caught site of Frank. He tried to get Frank's attention but Frank just walked past him.
"Frank! Frank?" Miles called after his friend.
"Oh, hey, Miles." Frank turned around and gave him an uncomfortable look. "I really can't talk right now." He started to walk backwards.
"How's Murphy?"
"She's fine, Miles. Listen, I really have to get going." Frank turned towards the door again, but Miles cut him off.
"Should I go in? Maybe I should wait a few minutes, let her cool off? But then again, I want her to know we're all here for her..."
Frank stopped and walked back to his friend. "Miles just do whatever you want. Ok? I have to get going." He then sighed to himself. "How am I going to do this?" He started to walk off.
"Oh Frank." Miles called after him.
Frank stopped looking impatient. "Yes, Miles." He let out a rush of air.
"I almost forgot why I came up here in the first place. I need to ask you something important."
"Shoot." Frank seemed to calm down at the thought that his friend needed him.
"Have you seen or heard from Corky?"
"Corky?"
"I've been trying to get in touch with her for the last week and I was wondering if you heard anything from her?"
"No, I haven't, Miles." Frank started to walk away and Miles stopped him with his words. Frank was not amused.
"Because, it's sort of strange for Corky not to keep in touch. I didn't want to worry but..."
"Miles." Frank took Miles by the shoulders. "I'm sure Corky is fine. She's probably just busy. I mean she has that press conference tomorrow." Frank hit Miles on the back. "Now, don't worry yourself too much. I really have to go." He went for the door. "Is it just me or is it hot in here?" Frank unbuttons his top button and took in a deep breath.
"What press conference? Miles asked.
Frank turned and started to walk backwards again. "Her company, that channel she started with Champion, its going public tomorrow. Listen," Frank unbuttoned another button. "I really got to get out of here." Frank fanned himself. "Oh, this can't be me." Frank exited out of the bullpen.
Yeah, he's right." Miles threw his hand out like it was nothing. "I'm sure she's fine."
LATER THAT EVENING
Corky took a deep breath and slid her hand along her long hair that now reached below her shoulders blades. She bit her big lip and wrung her hands together. She was about to see Victor for the first time since their faithful evening. The office was empty and Victor's secretary had gone for the night. Not that anyone would have seen them since Victor's office was in its own area of the building and not in the newsroom, like Corky's office. She stood in the doorway of his office and caught site of Victor at his desk. She looked down tentatively, unsure to what to say, but before she could say anything she was caught by Victor's gaze.
"Hi," she said faintly, as his eyes caught hers.
He looked happy and yet surprised to see her. "Corky?" he said leaping from his chair and circling the desk. He stopped at the edge unsure what to do.
"I bet I'm the last person you expected to see."
"Actually, yes."
"Yes, well. I wanted to call. I mean I should have called. I just needed some time. You can understand that, can't you?"
"Of course, of course."
"And then, when I did call, your secretary said you were in Europe..."
Victor walked closer. "Well, when you wouldn't see me. I needed to get away. You can understand that."
Corky nodded. "How was Europe?"
"Europe? Oh, I was just in England visiting some investors..."
"Oh?"
"And then I spent a few days in China and Japan." Victor walked closer to Corky.
"How was England?"
"England was very flat."
"And China?"
"Very big, China?"
"Oh? And Japan?" Corky seemed a little uncomfortable, as Victor placed his hand on her cheek.
"Japan was very small." He smiled, as he lifted his hand around her ear and through her hair, caressing the back of her head with his fingers and her check with his thumb.
"Oh, well, I had heard that... I mean." Corky looked into Victor's eyes. "I've been to a lot of places, but not Japan. I always wanted to..."
Victor leaned in and stopped Corky's babbling with a kiss. Corky was surprised by the kiss, but it soon took her over, as her eyes went from bugged eyed to closed. Victor lifted away, slowly letting go of her lower lip last. It was sweet, and moist and perfect. Corky was enamored and confused. It felt so right and yet she felt so wrong.
"Oh, Corky, I missed you," he spoke with bated breath and a whisper.
"Me too," she said softly, lowering her head. Victor took his finger and lifted up Corky's chin, so she would look him in the eye.
"I really thought." He paused. "That I lost you."
"No, you didn't lose me. You just scared me that's all."
"Scared of what?"
"I guess. I mean."
"Of me?"
"No, No. Of this... I mean... You have to understand, Victor. I've been married before. Twice. And the courtships were just as short as the marriages. And they were short. I mean my second marriage was shorter then my second husband and that's short. That was a joke by the way. I guess you have to know, Miles. Sorry, I'm getting off topic..."
"A little?" Victor put his arms on Corky's shoulders. He looked at her with a look of encouragement to continue.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is, when after we..." Corky nudged forward with her head. "After we... well you know... something by the way I've never done, I mean I've done it before, just not out of nowhere like that..." Corky felt a flash of Victor's hand against her skin, it made her blush. "Well it wasn't out of nowhere. And never when I wasn't married..."
"Corky…"
"Sorry. So I guess the whole thing - and then you proposed and I mean we just met and I flashed back to how I got married the last two times and well..." Corky took a breath.
"But you're ok now."
"Yes, I'm ok." Her face lit up.
"Good." He leaned in. "So, it's ok if I do this again." Victor leaned in and kissed her. Victor broke away from Corky and looked her over.
Her eyes were closed and she looked content. "Hmmm." Her eyes stayed closed, as her face produced a large smile. "Do that again." Victor did as he was told and kissed Corky again. This time Corky kissed him back, wrapping her arms around him. "So, you understand?" Victor nodded. "I'm so glad. I thought you'd be mad."
"Mad, no." He pushed her hair aside.
"But it all doesn't matter now. Because you're going to be my wife and that's all that matters." He leaned in to kiss her and Corky pulled away.
"Wait." She put her hand between herself and Victor. "I thought you said you understood?" She paused. "I can't marry you, Victor."
"What? Corky, I thought you said you missed me..."
"Yes..."
"And you're here. And we... this...?"
"Yes, I did miss you. A lot. And yes, when you kissed me just now. It was wonderful. But we can't get married, Victor." Victor turned away from Corky. "I mean. You have to admit it's a bit crazy. We've only known each other for less than three months."
"So... I love you Corky. That's what happens when two people fall in love - they get married. That's the natural course of things."
"And I'm not saying that might not happen down the line. But right now, I'm just not ready to get married again. I had that."
"Well, I'm ready to get married now, Corky... I love you, Corky. That's not something I say very easily. And when you love someone you get married. That's the way it is. That's the way I was brought up. And you were brought up too."
"Yes, Victor, I was. And you don't know how wonderful that makes me feel that you feel that way, but it's just too soon for me. But so far I've been married twice and both times I got married right away and I never had..."
"What, Corky?"
"The courtship, the getting to know you process..."
"If you don't know me by now, Corky? Don't you feel you know me? After what we've shared together?"
"I do, I do. But I don't see why we can't just continue dating like we have been? "Victor said nothing and circled back to his desk. "We can continue dating and..."
"And then what, Corky! Move in together..."
"No. I mean. Maybe. I don't know..."
"Come on, Corky. We both know. That's not you..."
"Well, maybe it should be. Oh, god what am I saying. I guess what I'm saying is... what we did – that wasn't me either. But I did it. Maybe it was the passion I felt for you, or the time in my life... But you know what I realize now... it felt good. And not just in the ways you're thinking about. Sure at first it scared the hell out of me. But I realize now it's a good thing. Maybe it's time I take my time to do things different. Maybe it's time I went between the lines." There was a pause.
"I know, Corky, you think that I'm some sort of playboy..." Corky tried to speak but Victor cut her off. "No, no. Corky I know my repetition. I know what people say about me. I know what they think. But it's not true. I was only in love once before in my life, Corky. I've dated other women, and I've even had relationships with them, but I knew I wasn't in love. And with you I know its love. I'm 38 years old and I'm tired of dating. I want to be married. I want to have a family. I want to live with the woman I love. And not without the proper paperwork. That's just who I am. That's what love does to me, means to me. And if you don't feel the same - I don't know if you really love me, or care about me for that matter."
"Now, that's unfair, Victor. That's not..."
"Then say you'll marry me?"
"Victor..."
"Corky..." Victor leaned on one knee in front of her. "Corky Lynn Sherwood. Will you marry me?"
Corky started to tear up. "Victor." She paused to control her feelings
"Do you love me, Corky? If you do you'll marry me. Forget all this baggage and love me. I'll be good to you. I won't be like the others. I promise."
Corky began to cry and through tears she spoke softly. "That's what they said too."
Victor stood up in anger. Corky tried to say something, but she couldn't.
"I guess I have my answer..."
"Victor..."
"I guess I should tell you now. But if I can't be with you. I can't stay at this company. I can't be in this building with you..."
"I understand…" Corky pushed the tears off her cheek and under her eye with her fingers. Victor took his coat and walked past Corky to the doorframe.
"I've decided that tomorrow at the press conference I'm resigning as CEO ..."
Corky turned to look at him. "Victor, no. You don't have to do that. You built up Trinity Networks as much as I did. And with the magazine coming out. That was all your idea..."
"I've made my decision, Corky." He turned his back to Corky. "Don't worry. After the press conference tomorrow you won't have to see me anymore. I'll have my lawyers deal with everything else." He took his hat off the rack next to the door. "Good-bye, Corky." He placed his fedora on his head. And he was gone.
Oh baby, that's how it is since you've been gone.
That's how it is, I'm so all alone
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell ~ That's How It Is (Since You've Gone)